Democrats Target Deep Red House Districts for Midterm Flips

DCCC releases 'Red to Blue' list of challengers in Republican-held seats that backed Trump in 2024

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has identified a dozen challengers in Republican-held House districts that staunchly supported former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. The DCCC's 'Red to Blue' program will provide extra resources to these candidates as Democrats aim to retake control of the House in the November midterms. Some of the targeted GOP incumbents, like Reps. Andy Ogles and Eli Crane, are members of the conservative Freedom Caucus.

Why it matters

Flipping some of these deep red districts would be a major coup for Democrats as they look to regain a House majority. The DCCC is betting that dissatisfaction with Republican policies and a desire for change among voters in these Trump-friendly areas could give their challengers a path to victory, even in traditionally conservative strongholds.

The details

The DCCC's 'Red to Blue' list includes candidates challenging Republican Reps. Ogles in Tennessee, Crane in Arizona, Nunn and Miller-Meeks in Iowa, Perry in Pennsylvania, and Ciscomani in Arizona, among others. Some, like former Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez, are taking on Freedom Caucus members, while others, such as former TV journalist Janelle Stelson, are seeking rematch bids. Redistricting is also a factor, with candidates like Shannon Taylor in Virginia shifting to new districts.

  • The DCCC released its 'Red to Blue' list on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The November 2026 midterm elections are the key date for these targeted House races.

The players

Suzan DelBene

Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

Andy Ogles

Republican Congressman from Tennessee's 5th district and member of the Freedom Caucus.

Eli Crane

Republican Congressman from Arizona's 2nd district and member of the Freedom Caucus.

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What they’re saying

“The candidates named to this first round of our Red to Blue program are united by their desire to fight for hardworking families in their districts — not the billionaires bankrolling Republicans' corrupt and divisive machine. They are laser-focused on lowering costs, saving health care, and putting people first, as opposed to their Republican opponents who have abandoned everyday Americans so they can give handouts to the privileged and the elite.”

— Suzan DelBene, Chair, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (Press release)

“Someone needs to buy the DCCC a gift card to help pay for all the lipstick they're putting on the pig that is their recruitment class. Their pathetic list of deeply radical candidates consists of recycled losers, far-left activists, and full-blown socialists who will be soundly rejected by voters across the country.”

— Mike Marinella, Spokesperson, National Republican Congressional Committee (Axios)

What’s next

The DCCC's 'Red to Blue' candidates will receive additional support and training as they gear up for the November 2026 midterm elections, where Democrats are hoping to flip enough Republican-held seats to regain control of the House.

The takeaway

The DCCC's targeting of deep red districts that backed Trump in 2024 shows the party's ambition to make significant gains in the House, even in traditionally conservative strongholds. While the odds may be long, Democrats are betting that dissatisfaction with Republican policies and a desire for change could give their challengers a path to victory in these Trump-friendly areas.